We recognize World Hypertension Day on May 17. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults. In fact, approximately 70–75% of adults aged 65 and older live with hypertension, and by age 75, that number rises to nearly 80%.
While lifestyle factors play a significant role, age-related changes also contribute to increased risk, including:
• Arteries that naturally stiffen and lose elasticity
• Reduced kidney efficiency in regulating fluid and sodium balance
• Hormonal changes that affect blood vessel tone
Because treatment must be carefully balanced in older adults to avoid side effects such as dizziness and increased fall risk, only about 20–25% of older adults achieve well-controlled blood pressure.
The concern around hypertension is significant, as uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, aneurysm, and vision loss. If left untreated, it can also contribute to vascular dementia and cognitive decline.
However, managing hypertension in older adults is not as simple as achieving a target number. It requires a nuanced, individualized approach. Reflecting this, the 2025 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines emphasize a shift from age-based treatment to a risk-based approach for adults 65 and older.
For example, frailty or a history of falls may raise concerns about overtreatment, as blood pressure that is lowered too aggressively can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and injury. In addition, declining kidney function with age can affect how medications are processed, often requiring careful dose adjustments.
One important consideration is orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing. This condition affects an estimated 10–30% of adults over 65 and becomes more common with age. It can significantly increase the risk of fainting and falls, especially when blood pressure medications are too strong or not properly adjusted.
Unintentional weight loss in older adults is another factor that may require medication review. In some cases, this leads to a process known as deprescribing, where a healthcare provider may reduce or discontinue a medication when the risks outweigh the benefits. This is not routinely done and often requires advocacy from patients, families, or care partners.
As people age, frailty and fall risk are often expected—but that does not mean health concerns should be attributed to aging alone. Sometimes, outside observers can notice subtle changes that may otherwise be missed. Springpoint at Home Certified Home Health Aides serve as an additional set of eyes, helping to identify changes and communicate them to the Springpoint at Home nursing team.
Similarly, a Springpoint at Home Aging Life Advisor can collaborate with families and pharmacists to help ensure medications are appropriate and not interacting negatively. This support is especially valuable during transitions of care, such as when an older adult returns home from the hospital or rehabilitation, to ensure medications and care plans are correctly followed.
To learn more about how we can help support your loved one’s health and safety at home, call Springpoint at Home today at 609-366-1900.
